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Mecum Offers Classics

Ford GT at the Head of the Class

Larry Jewett - February 03, 2014 12:00 PM

Mecum

1957 E-Code Thunderbird

Mecum

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There are cars that are already considered classics and a few others that insurance companies have deemed “future” classics, but all seem to be drawing plenty of attention at auction. The crop of classics found at the Mecum Kissimmee auction proved the point that there is value in a classic, no matter how you define it.

1) 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition (Lot S196) – Sold for $320,000

After a Ford-Shelby win in 1967, the GT40 juggernaut rolled on under the banner of John Wyer Automotive and the Blue and Orange of Grady Davis’ Gulf Oil. A single Wyer-prepared GT40 won consecutive races in 1968 and 1969, cementing the GT40 legend, so when it came time to offer a special edition of its GT40-inspired GT supercar, it was natural that Ford would draw on the history of the Gulf cars with the Heritage Edition. This is one of only 343 Heritage Edition GTs built and is endowed with all the features that make this Ford’s ultimate supercar. Always garaged in a climate controlled environment, it has been driven just 2,400 miles and comes complete with owner’s manual, books, a fitted cover and the factory number kit.

2) 2006 Ford GT, 2,558 Miles (Lot T181.1) – Sold for $242,500

Ford’s choice to bring back the GT was popular, but only for a limited run. This is one of only 75 Ford GTs that were finished in Speed Yellow. It features the 5.4L supercharged DOHC V-8 that can push out 550 horsepower with the Ricardo six-speed manual transmission handling the gearing. Only four options were available and this car has them all. Making it even more special is the odometer, which sits at 2,558 actual miles, but certainly some were at a thrilling speed to better enjoy the ride.

Outwardly similar to the renowned Ford GT40 race cars of the 1960s, the 2005-2006 Ford GT is larger, wider and three inches higher than its predecessor for increased passenger comfort, but the similarities are really only as deep as the GT’s voluptuous aluminum skin. Built on an aluminum space-frame chassis, the GT was designed by Camilo Pardo, the head of Ford's "Living Legends" studio, with performance development in the prototype stage by Carroll Shelby, the man who was crucial in making the GT40 the legend it is today.

After other sports car manufacturers had already thrown in the towel against stricter safety and emissions regulations, Porsche was still upping the ante for 1973. The high-performance 911S remained Porsche's fastest normal production offering. It was a very rare beast in 1973 – 1,430 units produced with only 524 brought to the U.S. market. A glance at the Porsche Certificate of Authenticity shows that this example features special order-only blue 335 Gemini Metallic paint.

The new owner of this rare, real Black Porsche 356A 1600 Reutter Cabriolet can be assured of a wise choice, thanks to the Certificate of Authenticity. The Porsche certificate shows this car was built in May of 1957, but it is titled as a 1958. It offers the original color combination and has been meticulously restored with great detail. An original California car, it was found in a barn and had to be dismantled and restored. The engine was rebuilt and new interior and soft top were installed according to original COA specifications

This one-owner 1965 Shelby Cobra was built by Finish Line Motorsports of Las Vegas, Nevada, who were licensed by Carroll Shelby in the late 1990s to build replicas of the 23 original competition 427 Cobras built between 1965 and 1967. This car is number four in the series of continuation Cobras. PPG created the car’s special Shelby Anniversary Blue paint, which follows tradition with an overlay of White LeMans stripes, an oversized hood scoop and unique "427 Comp" fender badges. Test driven at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, this all-out continuation Cobra is fully documented and is listed in the Shelby Registry.

Cadillac had completely redesigned the highly successful Eldorado for 1957, making it more distinguishable from its less glamorous stable mates. One of only 2,100 built from a total of 114,467 1957 Cadillacs, this Eldorado Seville coupe sold new for the then-princely sum of $6,700 dollars. It has been the subject of a no-expense-spared nine year frame-off nut and bolt restoration costing over $370,000 and documented with every receipt. Its Copper Metallic paint is complemented with a unique padded vinyl roof and a matching interior finished in correct Copper leather and fabric upholstery.

Of the 21,380 Thunderbirds produced in 1957, only 1,499 E-Code cars were sold. Examples such as this fabulous Amos Minter restoration – one of fewer than 150 built in this configuration – are highly sought by lovers of the legendary first generation T-Bird. Completed in 2013, it sports gorgeous Raven Black paint with an equally sharp Red interior. Also equipped with Kelsey-Hayes wire wheels and wide Whitewall tires, power steering, brakes and windows and a rare three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, this E-Code Baby Bird has it all.

This 1998 Lamborghini Diablo SV is one of just 20 Monterey Edition models built for the U.S. market. The most notable feature of this edition was the use of the SE30/VT Roadster style of air intakes in front of the rear wheels. A Monterey Edition, featuring an upgraded engine and brakes, was driven by Mario Andretti during the Lamborghini-sponsored "Running of the Bulls" event in California. The Monterey was such a rare and desirable variation on the SV theme that the cars were snapped up almost immediately.

There is more to behold than what the eye can detect as this car has the classic looks but has many modern aspects. You won’t likely find many 1937 Packards with a 500 horsepower engine hooked to an automatic transmission. Other amenities include power steering and power brakes. In addition to retaining the classic exterior styling, interior component such as heating and air control remain intact surrounded by beautiful burgundy.

This remarkable 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner has just about every option Ford offered, including the spectacular F-code 312/300 HP McCulloch-supercharged Thunderbird V-8 engine. Only 20 F-Code supercharged Skyliners are known to exist today; this example is number 11 on the list, and is one of only two also incorporating a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. It was the subject of a frame-off nut-and-bolt restoration by highly regarded Jerry Miller of Jerry’s Classic Cars in Springdale, Arkansas.